CH 37

’Eh? Isn’t that strange?’

The first time Berii felt that way was when Rowe had actively encouraged them to agree to the Adventurer’s Guild Guildmaster’s request for them to accompanying the expedition. 

When she returned to her room and thought over that fuzzy feeling in her chest, her doubts took on a clearer shape. 

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He should have known that both the Adventurer’s Guild and the Sherpa Guild were trying to interfere with “Twilight’s Sword” from clearing the labyrinth. 

Then shouldn’t the other Adventurers and Sherpas be kept away?

Why did he recommend joining the expedition?

She had thought there was no way, but when they made that request to Rowe――

Did he accept it?

The town of Tyros, the Adventurer’s Guild, and the Sherpa Guild, the request from these three authorities to sabotage “Twilight’s Sword”. Berii thought that Rowe would have definitely refused because it was too risky, impractical, and emotionally impossible. 

Of course, it’s hard to imagine a Sherpa harming an Adventurer while exploring the labyrinth. No matter how big a reward promised, it would be meaningless if he could not return to the surface. 

However, with the addition of the expedition team, it became a different matter entirely. 

The number of Adventurers participating in the expedition was 33. Even if 1 or 2 people were lacking, as long as the parties cooperate, they would definitely be able to return.

This expedition itself was set up by the Adventurer’s Guild to safely bring Rowe back to the surface. Then, with the rationale that it was to reduce Yuika’s burden, Rowe influenced everyone.

Thinking of it in that way, how does it sound?

It made sense.

Next, as for the methods to interfere with “Twilight’s Sword”’s Labyrinth clearance, Berii had thought that as long as there was Magikan’s Gift [Apparisal] that could see through the nature of the target, as well as Yuika’s dark-type magic “Dark Drops” that could recover abnormal statuses, there would be no problem. 

However, was that really so?

Magican’s [Appraisal] only worked on things he could directly touch. And Yuika’s “Dark Drops” could not be used on herself.

Rowe had knowledge of medicine. Yuika had complete trust in Rowe, so if it was something he served, even if the food was a little suspicious, she would eat it without question.

『For managing consumables and meals, should we do that all on our own?”』

Berii shuddered upon remembering Rowe’s remarks. 

In an expedition, considering efficiency, food and other items are shared. The food is prepared by the Sherpas, and all members of the expedition consume the same food.

But in the presence of other Sherpas, it would be difficult to do anything dubious, such as mixing something in while cooking. 

Perhaps Rowe had added such conditions to make his job easier.

If her hypothesis was correct and Rowe had betrayed them, then “Twilight’s Sword” would have no means to guard against him or recover. 

The target was probably Yuika, 

After thinking this much, Berii warned herself to get too far ahead of herself.

These were all assumptions built on assumptions.

Yuika called Rowe her lover. 

According to common sense, it was unthinkable that someone would put a hand on a lover for the sake of money. 

『In short — for money.』

–No.

『…Rowe. You are someone who won’t hesitate having to tarnish your own name for money. Am I wrong? 』

The words spoken by the Adventurer’s Guild Guildmaster during that meeting.

No!

These are all my own delusions.

He’s my lifesaver. He also saved Yuika’s life.

What can I do if I can’t believe in him? 

Despite denying these thoughts over and over again, Berii couldn’t help but pay attention to Rowe’s words and deeds. 

Though there was a condition that they would be acting separately even during camp, Rowe had chatted with the other Sherpas on the way to the labyrinth. 

Furthermore, when called by other Adventurers in the Labyrinth, Rowe seemed to have instilled them with something.

It felt as though the Adventurer’s hostility towards “Twilight’s Sword” had clearly increased. 

To begin with, “Twilight’s Sword had no connection to the expedition team. 

If the relationship between the two groups deteriorated, it would be an obstacle to Labyrinth capture. 　

Second day of Labyrinth exploration.

As they entered the middle layers, the monsters’ attacks became more intense.

The brutish progress of “Twilight’s Sword” was as usual. However, the other parties didn’t say a word in complaint and followed while releasing their bloodlust. 

Even if they participated in the battles, there was no cooperation at all. 

“Don’t get in the way, Profound!”

“It’s you guys! Go back, shitty Lizards!” 

“What’d you say!”

Each party fought individually while insulting each other. If the coordination of the frontline were to be disrupted and monsters became able to break through, the magicians at the rear would not be able to hold on even with their magic.

“‘Flame Wheel’.”

“‘Gale Wall’.”

Even though they were able to rely on their numbers to gain an advantage, it was obviously inefficient. 

During camp, there was no conversation at all, and they silently used [Accept] on the magic cores while glaring at each other. 

“Wait, wait. Rowe.”

Occasionally, Rowe was called away to report something to the Adventurers.

“…Hey, Princess. What’s that guy up to?”

“Who knows.”

Berii tried to rouse her attention in an indirect way, but Yuika showed no interest in what the other Adventurer’s were doing.

“If you leave it to Darling, it should be fine.”

That was the issue.

Despite Berii’s vague anxieties, the Labyrinth capture progressed.

They ended the second day of exploration at the 38th Floor Dungeon Oasis, finally heading into the deep layers. On the third day they arrived at an important base, the 43rd Floor Dungeon Oasis.

For “Twilight’s Sword”, it was the expected progress rate, but for the other parties in the expedition, it was an unbelievable clearing speed. 

Fatigue had also accumulated, and they rested with their heads hung low. 

“…Um, Miss Twilight.”

Perhaps no longer able to endure the bad atmosphere, the Sherpa Gameo suggested. 

“I made sweet potato soup. Would you like to have a meal with us?”

The 6 Sherpas, excluding Rowe, had started a fire on the edge of the Dungeon Oasis. 

The fuel was Secret Ebony, A drop item from a monster known as Willow Cutter, it burnt longer and stronger than normal charcoal. 

In the Labyrinth where the amount of luggage that could be brought in was limited, cooking food using fire was a luxury.

Even if it was just potato soup, it was appreciated.

However–

“Senior Gameo. The arrangement was to have meals separately while camping.” 

The one who rejected before Yuika could even give a reply was Rowe.

He was polite, but it was a cold voice that she had never ever previously heard.

“That, well I know that but…”

Gameo looked down at the soup served in a deep wooden bowl.

“If we all eat together, maybe we can get along a little better.”

That was certainly true. Berii, who was worrying over Rowe and had no appetite, held out her hand to the despondent Sherpa.

“It’s fine. Since you went through all the trouble to make it–“

With a sigh of relief, Gameo presented the bowl.

–When.

His hand was shoved away, and the potato soup splattered on the ground.

“……Eh?”

“It’s unnecessary consideration, Senior Gameo.”

Rowe who brushed the hand away had a smile on his face.

Without even apologising for wasting the precious food, Rowe ignored Gameo and prepared the meal by himself.

At such behaviour, as one might expect, even Yuika, as well as Nuuk and Magikan were shocked. 

“Rowe. You… no way.”

Gameo muttered dumbfoundedly, blinking his eyes adorned with thick eyeshadow.

For some reason, Berii felt uncomfortable at the sight of the big man being coldly treated by his junior, and decided to secretly apologise to Gameo.

“It doesn’t really matter. I can understand why Rowe is getting nervous. This is the deep layer — a demonic realm where even a little carelessness could endanger your life.”

2 days later, Berii’s suspicions turned into conviction.

48th Floor Dungeon Oasis, where they had fell into the trap of the Bomber Vine and exposed Yuika’s life to danger, a place that Berii didn’t really want to be reminded of.

However, it was an unknown floor for the other Adventurers, and they were playing like children.

It felt like the atmosphere had softened just a little.

“It’s a bit early, but let’s end here for today. Take a good rest, and from tomorrow — the challenge to the 50th Floor.”

The monkey-faced man from “Profound Association” declared, and the other Adventurers cheered. 

Though Yuika looked a little dissatisfied with that decision, but she could be convinced that there was no point in rushing, and disposed of the day’s monsters.

At this Dungeon Oasis, there was still rainbow grass remaining, used as raw materials for mana positions. 

While raising cheers, the Adventurers and Sherpas flocked to the rainbow grass.

It turned into a commotion like a picnic, and somewhere along the way, Berii noticed that Rowe had disappeared, 

When she looked around, she saw Rowe and a man with a good physique — the feminine Sherpa heading towards a passageway.

Since that was the one leading to the spiral path, its safety had already been confirmed for the time being.

Waiting for the two of them to disappear to the back of the passageway, Berii sneakily used magic. 

“…’Whisper’.”

Support magic that delivered sound from a target location.

The magic formation flew and stuck to the wall of the passageway before shattering without a sound. 

Unfortunately the positioning was off, Rowe and Gameo’s conversation was difficult to pick up. 

As she clicked her tongue and tried to concentrate she suddenly heard Gameo’s furious voice. 

<You! What are you planning to do?>

<…>

<You are definitely in the right! But you know–>

<…>

Rowe’s voice was soft and inaudible.

Before long, she heard the sound of something being hit, and then silence descended.

<…it was tough.>

As though enduring something, Gameo murmured.

She heard footsteps. It sounded like they were getting closer to the magic formation. 

Those footsteps stopped.

<Rowe. I won’t say anything more. That’s why–>

Gameo took a deep breath and returned to his gentle tone.

<..do your best.>

Returning to the Dungeon Oasis, Rowe’s left cheek was red and swollen.